Crickhowell, a picturesque market town in the Usk Valley, has been named one of the UK's best towns by consumer watchdog Which? and previously crowned the 'Best Place to Live' in Wales by The Sunday Times. This charming destination offers indie shops, proper pubs, and access to stunning hiking trails in the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog.
Celebrity Appeal
Even celebrities cannot resist Crickhowell's charm. Carol Vorderman recently visited the dog-friendly Coaching Inn, The Bear, after a hike and shared her experience on Instagram. The Bear, a 15th-century hotel, has also attracted stars like Robbie Williams and Johnny Depp, and was named Inn of the Year in The Good Pub Guide.
Rich History
Crickhowell's roots date back to the Iron Age, when settlers built a hillfort atop Crug Hywel, also known as Table Mountain. Later, the Normans added a motte-and-bailey castle, whose remains still overlook the town.
Hiking Paradise
For hikers, Crickhowell is an ideal base for countless walks into the surrounding hills and mountains. Popular routes include Table Mountain, the Brecon and Monmouth Canal, the Llangattock escarpment, and the River Usk through the Glanusk Estate. Nearby peaks like Sugar Loaf, Allt yr Esgair, and Tor y Foel are easily accessible, and Pen y Fan, the highest summit in southern Britain, is a short drive away.
The town's Walkers are Welcome team has compiled routes from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, available in booklets at the information centre or online. The We Hike Wales crew often leads groups, tackling accessible routes like Table Mountain, which features an ancient Iron Age hill fort and panoramic views.
High Street Charm
In 2018, Crickhowell's High Street was crowned the Best High Street in the UK. It boasts indie boutiques, historic pubs, and outdoor shops like Crickhowell Adventure. Webbs of Crickhowell, a family-owned department store, has been a town staple since 1936.
Food lovers can enjoy Court Room Cafe in the market hall, Latte Da for vintage-style afternoon tea, and Book-ish, an award-winning independent bookshop. Book-ish, founded in 2010, features a children's reading room, the Snug, an event space called the Loft, and a cafe serving local produce. In 2021, the community raised over £25,000 to save the shop, with a donation from Welsh actor Michael Sheen.
Pubs and Breweries
The Bear Hotel offers a cosy atmosphere with oak beams, open fires, and a menu featuring potato gnocchi, slow-braised Welsh beef short rib, vegan burgers, and homemade lasagne. The Historic Dragon Inn on the High Street provides a warm welcome, great food, and a selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Antur Brew Co, a microbrewery and taproom, hosts weekend pop-ups with food trucks offering Malaysian curries and BBQ eats.
Whether for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Crickhowell offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, independent shopping, and gastronomic delights.
